The Roaring 20s

The economy Roars Initially people struggled Recovery due to US investment Buying Canadian resources (wood and metals) Invested in Canada through Branch Plants Economy boomed – help by consumerism People investing in stock market Shown in value of $100 investments: – $150m – $500m

Consumerism – Buy, buy, buy! New money meant people wanted to spend Increased holidays for workers – vacations! New technologies all affordable for most: – Telephone – Radio – Cars

Music and Culture Also known as the Jazz Age Jazz symbolic of feeling Freer, no restrictions, fun New opportunities – dance halls, movie theatres Some worried about Americanisation of Canada

Prohibition Alcohol banned during WW – not working – Too much bootlegging and problems – Soldiers used to European attitudes 1921 – Allowed but controlled Continued in US until 1933 Cross-border smuggling – Rum Running

Canadian Culture New national pride in Canada from WW1, Versailles and afterwards Group of 7 – Canadian landscapes In BC, led by Emily Carr Also CBC radio introduced Hockey night in Canada in 1936

Women WW1 saw progress – work and vote After war women expected to return home – jobs for soldiers and also when married If worked lower skilled and lower wages, 60% lower than men 1921 – Agnes MacPhail first woman MP

Are Women Persons? Progress slow – only white and wealthy benefitted 1916 – Emily Murphy Appointed Judge in Alberta 1917 – decision is challenged – women are not designated person under BNA Has to be a “fit and proper person” to be a judge Murphy wins but only for Alberta

The Person’s Case Murphy applies for Senate supported by the ‘Famous Five’ Senate decides women are not persons under BNA Can’t change – up to British Government 1929 – BNA Act changed by British Government – Women are now officially people and can become judges

The Roaring 20s Overview In what ways were the 20s roaring? How does person’s case reflect: Attitudes toward women? Canada’s independence from Britain?